What Is Khat?

Khat is a leafy green flowering plant originally cultivated in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. There, the fresh leaves of the plant are chewed or dried and made into a tea for medicinal and recreational purposes. The World Health Organization (WHO) listed the herb as a drug of abuse in 1980. Since then, khat started to become banned in countries across the world.

What Is Khat?

At the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, chewing Khat predates the use of coffee. Socially, their uses are similar. When chewed, the leaves act as a stimulant due to the cathinone content. Cathinone is an alkaloid with effects that have been compared to amphetamines.

There are few health effects that users may find beneficial. However, not all of the effects are positive. The plant comes with a set of effects and risks.

Effects

The main observed effect is mild euphoria and excitement similar to what you would expect from a cup of coffee. Socially it is used in similar ways.

Khat can also be helpful with obesity, depression, fatigue, stomach ulcers and more.

Is It Legal?

In 1993, the DEA added cathinone to the Controlled Substances Act making Khat federally illegal in the United States. The ban extends to most parts of North America and Europe.

Final Hit: What Is Khat?

Khat is an herbal stimulant that is no longer available in most countries due to the risks involved. While chewing it once served as a potential alternative to coffee-drinking, the legal status has reserved its use to North East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula where it originates.